Author: Victoria Cotejar

What’s What BR with Paul Arrigo of Visit Baton Rouge

In this episode of What’s What BR, Paul Arrigo of Visit Baton Rouges gives us the update of what’s really up in Baton Rouge.

Baton Rouge is widely open and, since the pandemic, has a lot going on. It’s a good time to be in Baton Rouge right now.

What’s What BR with Mallorie Frelich of Pelican State Credit Union

In this episode of What’s What BR, Mallorie Frelich of the Pelican State Credit Union comes on the show to highlight the benefits of being a member. She also educates us on the difference between a credit union and a bank, as well as sharing their upcoming event this March.

What’s What BR with Tara and Mary of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library

In this episode of What’s What BR, Tara and Mary of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library share with us the efforts the library has done to give children better access to reading materials.

Visit the Library’s website at ebrpl.com to know more about the different activities they’ve set and events they have.

What’s What BR with Wesley Watts of the West Baton Rouge Schools

In this episode of What’s What BR, Wesley Watts of the West Baton Rouge Schools, and Superintendent of the year, shares with us their upcoming Job Fair happening on March 10.

Brandon and Wes talk about the need for teachers and how we can encourage the youth to decide on a career path that can help educate and form the next generation.

What’s What BR with Mathew Laborde of Elifin Realty

In this episode of What’s What BR, Mathew Laborde of Elifin Realty comes back on the show to share with us the progress the real estate industry has gotten since the pandemic hit and how the industry has actually been doing better than it has in years.

What’s What BR with Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome

In this episode of What’s What BR, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome comes back on the show to give us the update on how Baton Rouge is doing to overcome COVID-19.

She also shares the updates on the drainage project and other activities that the mayor’s office is currently holding.

What’s What BR with Ginger Guttner of LSU School of Veterinary Medicine

In this episode of What’s What BR, Ginger Guttner of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine gives us an update on their activities.

More than just a veterinary school, they run an animal hospital, which continued to operate during the pandemic, and continue to care for animals and educate the public on animal care and safety.

What’s What BR with Molly Buchmann and Jonna Cox of the Baton Rouge Ballet

In this episode of What’s What BR, Molly and Jonna of the Baton Rouge Ballet gives us the 2021 update.

From just a 1 show a year theater to multiple shows in a year, the Baton Rouge Ballet is constantly growing; from finding new talents to adding shows.

Check out their upcoming shows on their website or to support them!

https://batonrougeballet.org/

What’s What BR with Kim Canezaro of School Board for Pointe Coupee

In this episode of What’s What BR, Kim Canezaro of Pointe Coupee Parish School Board shares with us how they’ve been handling their school activity amidst the pandemic and after the most recent hurricane; hurricane Ida.

Despite it all, the school remains in service to the students and have been able to keep going and even do better.

What’s What BR with Cheryl Ollmann of Brighton School

In this episode of What’s What BR, Cheryl Ollmann, Principal of the Brighton School, gives us an in depth talk of how the Brighton School prepares students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences to succeed

What’s What BR with Sarah Tranchina of CASA

In this episode of What’s What BR, CASA BR comes back on the show with Sarah Tranchina to share with us their on going efforts to recruit volunteers.

Given the state Louisiana is in right now, CASA has opened training for volunteers online.

Interested to know more about becoming a volunteer and fostering? visit https://www.casabr.org/

What’s What BR with Kati Morse of Hammond Downtown Development District

In this episode of What’s What BR, Kati Morse, Assistant Director of Hammond Downtown Development District, shares the return of their Downtown Hammond tradition and one of South Louisiana’s most anticipated annual events, Hot August Night!

This year’s event will take place Friday, August 27, 2021 from 5:30pm-10:00pm. Since they couldn’t celebrate last year as they turned 25 years, this year’s event will be bigger, better, and will celebrate the mark of their 25 years!

What’s What BR with Dr. Sito Narcisse of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System

In this episode of What’s What BR, Dr. Sito Narcisse comes back on the show to give us an update on EBR school system.

Exciting things are brewing at EBR parish school system! With plans of opening a school for visual performing arts, building a new school in South Baton Rouge to provide more opportunities in that city, Professional development for teachers, principals, and even EBR Schools TV!

Listen to the full episode to hear it straight from Dr. Narcisse to find out what more you can expect and how to engage with them!

What’s What BR with Mayor-President Sharon Broome

In this episode of What’s What BR, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome gives us the details on the program – “Go Get Healthy”

The Mayor’s office has been partnering with different organizations to make things happen.

The Go Get Healthy program aims to be able to provide local food security.

$175,000 in grants have been provided to focus on Go Get Healthy goals so they can increase the opportunity for people to have affordable and nutritious food within their communities.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more about this and other updates!

What’s What BR with Edgardo Tenreiro of Baton Rouge General

In this episode of What’s What BR, Baton Rouge General CEO, Edgardo Tenreiro shares with us how everyone in Baton Rouge General was able to really come together during the pandemic to get things moving and make things happen.

Edgardo also shares about their upcoming project at Baton Rouge General and updates in Hospital tech innovation!

Listen to the full podcast to know more about it and get to know more about Baton Rouge General.

What’s What BR with Lucas Spielfogel of the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition

In this episode of What’s What BR, Lucas Spielfogel of the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition educates us about what they do and their current open application.

BRYC provides Fellows the best college-preparatory and persistence resources money can buy — for free — so they can maximize the value of their degrees, build wealth, and interrupt generational poverty cycles.

If you’re interested in partnering with BRYC, they’re currently accepting applications but you have to be quick since it closes on July 1!

Listen to the full podcast to know if you’re eligible and how you can get started.

What’s What BR with Christian Engle of the Capital Area YMCA

In this episode of What’s What BR, Christian Engle of the Capital Area YMCA shares with us YMCA’s latest project initiative which focuses on foster kids and families inclusivity.

The Y is believes that there is something for every one and that they ARE for everyone!

What’s What BR with Rosalind Thompson of BASIS

In this episode of What’s What BR, Rosalind Thompson of BASIS gives us the latest news on their upcoming opening of their latest campus, which totals to 31 BASIS schools in the country.

BASIS is dedicated to providing world-class education to their students. Rosalind shares what a typical BASIS student would learn, even as a kindergartener!

What’s What BR with Edgar H. Silvey of the Baton Rouge Clinic

In this episode of What’s What BR, CEO of 33 years, Edgar H. Silvey, of The Baton Rouge Clinic, shares how things have gone back to normal and that they are more than welcoming of patients and happy to be treating them.

The Baton Rouge Clinic is celebrating 75 years and are happy to still be in service for and with the community.

What’s What BR with Chimene Grant Saloy of Audubon Nature Institute

What’s What BR with Chimene Grant Salot of Audubon Nature Institute

Description : In this episode of Whats What BR, Chimene Grant Saloy of the Audubon Nature Institute comes on the show to talk about all the wonderful things that Audubon has to offer!

Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of ten museums and parks dedicated to nature.

Theres something for every member of the family here!

Head on over to their website at audubonnatureinstitute.org to purchase your tickets!

What’s What BR with Mike Steele of GOHSEP

In this episode of What’s What BR, Mike Steele of GOHSEP gives us his recommendations on safety habits to teach families so that we know what to do in case of calamities.

He also highlights the need for every household to be prepared for when the unthinkable happens. https://getagameplan.org/ is a website dedicated to help everyone better prepare and plan for these moments.

What’s What BR with Congressman Garret Graves

In this episode of What’s What BR, Garret Graves shares his experience having been invited to talk about infrastructure.

Being a Ranking Member for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation and is the Ranking Member for the new Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, Infrastructure is one of the top 2 things he passionately talks about.

What’s What BR with Randel Truax of Alpha One Imaging

In this episode of What’s What BR, Randel Truax of Alpha One Imaging gives us the “what’s what” on the nature of their business; what they are, how they operate, when they operate.

The goal of Alpha One Imaging is to provide timely onsite diagnostic services performed by licensed technologists; interpreted and transcribed by subspecialty trained, expert radiologists.

Their reliable 24/7 service means you receive prompt results from JCAHO certified radiologists anytime, any day.

What’s What BR with Robyn Lott of BREC’s Baton Rouge ZOO | Wild Wine Walk

In this episode of What’s What BR, Robyn Lott of BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo shares their upcoming event, Wild Wine Walk.

The Wild Wine Walk is a first of its kind at the Baton Rouge Zoo offering guests an opportunity to stroll the Zoo as they taste a variety of wines & sample small bites from local eateries. The event will take place on May 21st from 4pm – 7:30pm.

What’s What BR with Todd Graves, founder of Raising Cane’s, talks about his show, Restaurant Recovery

In this episode of What’s What BR, Todd Graves, founder of Raising Cane’s, Shares his latest project series called Restaurant Recovery, which was conceptualised by the thought of “paying it forward” by helping out independent restaurants.

The pandemic that came really hit hard on a lot businesses, especially on independent restaurants. Todd Grave’s was able to pivot to sustain Raising Cane’s but he thought about the restaurants that could not sustain themselves during these trying times.

With that in mind, he brainstormed with experts from the company, as well as celebrity friend like Shaquille O’Neal and Snoop Dogg, to help independent restaurants that struggled to make ends meet during the pandemic and formed the show Restaurant Recovery.

The show is now streaming on Discovery+.

 Listen to the podcast to know more about it!

What’s What BR with Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome

In this episode of What’s What BR, we’re happy to have Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome back to talk about what’s going in in Baton Rouge.

More initiatives have been made to ensure that Baton Rouge is being optimised the safest, and best way possible for all it’s residents and citizens.

Mayor Broome shares about the Mayors New Work Force Program, which is a holistic program intended to giving the youth opportunities to gain experience and earn from it.

With regards to the pandemic, Mayor Broome aims for “community vaccination” but encourages people who feel are “in the dark” with information with regards to the vaccine, to do some real research and check from credible resources to enlighten them to make informed decisions when deciding whether or not they choose to be vaccinated.

Listen to the full podcast to know more about what’s going on in Baton Rouge!

What’s What BR with Molly Phillips and Paul McJulien of the National Youth Advocate Program

In this episode of What’s What BR Molly Phillips comes back on the show, with Paul McJulien, from the National Youth Advocate Program to share the word that May is National Foster Care Month.

The National Youth Advocate Program would love to hear from families in Louisiana who are interested in partnering with them to become Foster parents/families.

If you’re interested in becoming one, check them out on their website at https://www.nyap.org/nyap-locations/louisiana.html

What’s What BR with Tim Murphy and Brandon Moore of BOOMERS

In this episode of What’s What BR, we talk about how COVID-19 has affected the travel & tourism industry – specifically, to parks.

Tim Murphy and Brandon Moore of BOOMERS talk about how they had to pivot during the beginning and how creative they got to keep things going.

Check out their website to know which parks are open and their operating times!

https://boomersparks.com/

What’s What BR with Shelton Jones of The Emerge Center

In this episode of What’s What BR, we brought on Shelton Jones of The Emerge Center to talk about their foundation and what they’re all about.

Emerge empowers children with autism and individuals with communication challenges to achieve independence through an interdisciplinary therapy program within an innovative educational model.

What’s What BR with Rod Spilling of Greater Baton Rouge Hope Academy

In this episode of What’s What BR, we talk with Rod Spilling of Greater Baton Rouge Hope Academy.

Greater Baton Rouge Hope Academy Started in 2007 and serves a wide range of students, half of their population is a traditional high school bound diploma track and the other half of the population are what they call “pace classes” where they teach practical academic and community education for students with Neuro diversity.

Rod is a multimedia teacher and specialist and what he teaches, specifically, is a wide range of multimedia. From teaching creative computer applications, 3D, coding, introduction of the computer, Essentially, if you can think of a computer related item, he gets to teach the students on all levels at Greater Baton Rouge Hope Academy.

Rod shares how they nurture what it is that makes each student unique and they find out what they like; The idea of not trying to fit the kid into the box, instead, adjust to the mold of the child, allows them to have a much more successful educational experience.

What’s What BR with Stewart T. Gordon, MD of Louisiana Healthcare Connections

In this episode of What’s What BR, Dr. Stewart Gordon of the Louisiana Healthcare Connections answers the questions that most of us aren’t certain about.

Dr. Stewart Gordon reminds us all how important it is to keep up with our children’s routine vaccines. 2020 definitely seemed like a blur and because of CoVid-19, and the stay at home orders, it became difficult to keep up with getting things done; but now that things are slowly adjusting to the new normal, he urges all parents to make sure that kids get back to their scheduled vaccines.

He also addresses the concern that most parents have when it comes to kids unable to socialize and having to distance from other; the implications that come with schooling remotely/virtually and how anxiety is a real and serious issue that can build in children when they aren’t able to find an outlet for their need to socialize or get outside.

What’s What BR with Wes Haws of Blue Zoo

In this episode, we brought on Wes Haws from the Blue Zoo who opens up Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s first Aquatic Zoo.

With Blue Zoo’s grand opening, April 1, in the Louisiana Mall, Wes Haws shares all the fun things everyone can do! From families to aquatic enthusiasts; the Blue Zoo features a lot of different aquatic life but they also have birds and some reptiles to show.

What’s What BR with Dr. Sito Narcisse of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System

In this episode of What’s What BR, Dr. Sito Narcisse gives us his words of wisdom about education.

He tackles and makes us understand that the achievement gap is actually coming from the literacy gap that exists. When kids can’t read, write, or comprehend, it impacts them over time. When they can’t do that, there’s an opportunity gap.

What’s What BR with Anne Hindrichs & Lindi Rubin Spalatin of McMains Children’s Development Center

In this episode of What’s What BR, our guests, Anne & Lindi of McMains Children’s Development Center shares how they lead their organization and keep it going through their passion for the service they do.

The mission of the McMains Children’s Developmental Center is to advance the quality of life for children and their families by providing physical, developmental, academic and communication services.

Anne, having been over 30 years with McMains Children’s Development Center certainly believes that every child and family is worth helping out and that with the right support, every child and their family can live a better life.

What’s What BR with Dr. Holland, Ed Silvey, and Katie Fellner

In this episode of What’s What BR, We check back in with FranU with our guests, Dr. Holland, Ed Silvey, and Katie Fellner.

There’s been a lot of changes since last year in terms of how education is being handled and how school’s are operating. In spite and despite of the pandemic, FranU remains committed to delivering quality education and ensuring that they’re able to transform their students into the best version of themselves that will benefit the community and all the lives they cross paths with.

What’s What BR with Robyn Lott of BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

In this episode of What’s What BR, Robyn Lott of BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo gives us an update of how the Zoo is doing.

The Zoo is now open to the public and they’re even preparing something fun and exciting for their upcoming birthday!

Have you wanted to celebrate your birthday at the Zoo? Well, you can!

Listen to the podcast to know more about it as Robyn shares the Zoo’s programs, events, and much more!

What’s What BR with Sarah Schnauder of Kid Possible Summer Camps

In this episode of What’s What BR, we’ve got Sarah Schnauder of Kid Possible Summer Camps back to talk about summer camp!

As summer draws in, there’s a lot of questions about how summer camp is going to be like this year.

Will it be the same as last year?
What are the restrictions?
What can be done?

Sarah shares what they’ve been doing at Kid Possible and how, even with the pandemic last year, they’ve managed to find new things that work and sticking with it this year for this summer.

What’s What BR with Sharon Weston Broome, Mayor President of Louisiana

In this episode of What’s What BR, Mayor President Sharon Weston Broome gives us the real “what’s what” in Baton Rouge.

Mayor Broome highlights an initiative that they’ve already set in place which is the neighborhood engagement hub.

As part of this, Mayor Broome has launched the “Operation Cleanup” which is a cleanup event that will take place this 10th of April.

Safe Hopeful Neighborhood (SHN) serves as the hub of neighborhood engagement for Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome’s Office, Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, and Build BR. More details on the website (https://www.safehopefulneighborhoods.com/)

Listen to the full podcast as she talks about it in depth.

What’s What BR with Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana

In this episode of What’s What BR, Lieutenant Governor, Billy Nungesser, fills us in on the current state of Louisiana.

What’s allowed?
What’s still not allowed?

Having been a year since COVID-19 impacted us all, things are starting to open up.

One thing that Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is trying to get back are events. With proper health protocols in place, Louisiana seems hopeful for things to get back to “normal” as soon as possible.

What’s What BR with Monica Alley of Anna’s Grace Foundation

In this episode of What’s What BR, Monica Alley shares her personal story of baby loss which ultimately led her to want to support others who end up in the same fate.

Anna’s Grace Foundation, named after her own baby, Anna, decided she wanted to take matters into her own hands and lead the way for support for all other parents who also experience baby loss.

What’s What BR with Jared Loftus of RASA.IO

In this episode of What’s What BR, Chief Operating Officer of RASA.IO shares how they’ve managed to make automation a means of being able to stay in touch with your customers on a regular basis in a relevant but non-salesy way and how to get more from your email list.

What’s What BR with Matthew Laborde of Elifin Realty

In this episode of What’s What BR, we dive into real estate talk with President & CEO of Elifin Realty, Matthew Laborde.

Mathew Laborde started his commercial real estate brokerage career at the age of 19 and has consistently been among the top producing commercial real estate agents in the State of Louisiana.

What’s What BR with Renita Williams Thomas of In Loving Arms Pediatric Day Health Center

In this episode of What’s What BR, Loving Arms Pediatric Day Health Center founder, Renita Williams Thomas, shares her story of compassion which led to the birth of her pediatric health center.

In Loving Arms Pediatric Day Health Center offers a new concept in care with a combination of skilled nursing, education and therapy. Health services are administered in a state-of-the-art child-friendly environment, likened to a daycare setting.

Whats What BR with Wendy Lipsey

In this episode of What’s What BR, LOPA volunteer, Wendy Lipsey, shares her journey as a donor receiver. Having needed a Liver transplant and a Kidney transplant, her personal experience has given her the drive to help out those who are faced with the same fate.

What’s What BR with Chelsea Borruano of the You Are Not Alone Project

In this episode of What’s What BR, we bring to light, the community that helps out with those suffering from mental health and wellness, the You Are Not Alone Project; Founded by Chelsea Borruano in 2019, it is a non-profit community which builds a network of support for mental health and wellness in Baton Rouge. With the pandemic, Chelsea has brought her platform virtual and has been able to reach more people and continues to do so for all those in need.

What’s What BR with Cheri Johnson of Woman’s Hospital

In this episode of What’s What BR, Woman’s hospital’s chief nursing officer, Cheri Johnson, shares with us what it means to lead an organization with around 900 exceptional nurses, the importance of representation; being able to have a seat at the Maternal Child Health Council for American Hospital Association and the responsibility to ensure that patients and staff at Woman’s feel safe and well cared for.

What’s What BR with Stephanie Manson of Our Lady Of the Lake (OLOL)

In this episode of What’s What BR, Stephanie Manson, Chief Operating Officer, of Our Lady Of the Lake shares with us how they are committed to building a healthy community through excellence in patient care and education.

Stephanie also shares how they will be participating during this year’s American Heart Association
Louisiana’s Go Red for Women Virtual Lunch-In to raise awareness about heart disease. Join her and other exceptional leaders virtually on Friday, Feb 5 at noon.

What’s What BR with J.Dow and Rebecca of ExxonMobil

In this episode of What’s What BR, J. Dow and Rebecca of ExxonMobil Oil refinery shares how they’ve been one with the community in helping out. ExxonMobil has extended their help in more ways than one, more than just donating oil.

What’s What BR with Norisha and Jessica of Junior League Baton Rouge

In this episode of What’s What BR, Norisha and Jessica of Junior League Baton Rouge joins us to share what they’re all about and the advocacy they lead as an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

What’s What BR with Ralph Ney of Marriott

In this episode of What’s What BR, we check in with Ralph Ney as he shares how the hotel industry has been impacted with COVID-19 and how they’re now managing operations under this “new normal”.

What’s What BR with Renee and Susie of March of Dimes

In this episode of What’s What BR, We brought on Renee and Susie from March of Dimes to share with us what they do as an organization and the advocacy they lead to fight for the health of all moms and babies and how they are radically trying to improve the health care they receive. They also tell us how the pandemic has affected them but hasn’t stopped them from empowering families with the knowledge and tools to have healthier pregnancies.

What’s What BR with Dr. Kay Solar and Betsy Barnes of the Rock It Right Show

In this episode of What’s What BR, Dr. Kay Solar and Betsy Barnes of the Rock it Right Show shares how they met, how the show came to be, and how they are using their platform to empower people by sharing people’s stories and their businesses. They make use of their presence and influence to highlight businesses that could use the spotlight now more than ever.

What’s What BR with Marianne and Robin of Ronald McDonald House Charities

In this episode of What’s What BR, Marianne and Robin of the Ronald McDonald House of Charities shares with us their participation in the upcoming Giving Tuesday event this December 1. They also share what they are as a charity and how they help keep families together and near the help their child needs.

What’s What BR with Tekoah Boatner of Youth Oasis

In this episode of What’s What BR we speak with Tekoah Boatner of Youth Oasis which is an organization that provides support to the youth and young adults recovering from the trauma of homelessness and family separation through housing, healthcare, and advocacy. Tekoah talks about their participation in an upcoming fundraiser where people can donate to and their upcoming activities for the organization.

What’s What BR with Tressa Fuller of TOTAL

In this episode of What’s What BR, we sat and spoke with Tressa Fuller, Talent developer of TOTAL as she shares with us what it means to help employees develop their talents and upgrade their skills backed with her 20 years of experience, as well as some recruiter tips and recruiter insights when applying for work.

What’s What BR with Sarah and Stephanie of Mother Son Dance (Children’s Hospital)

In this episode of What’s What BR, we speak with Sarah Smith and Stephanie Sanchez to discuss their event, Mother Son Dance, as they have reimagined their Mother Son Dance into an exclusive “To-Go” box! The Mother-Son Dance “To-Go” is an opportunity for moms and their sons to spend a fun-filled, memorable week safely from home.

What’s What BR with Major Don and Greg Meriwether with Salvation Army

In this episode of What’s What BR, we check back with Major Don and Greg Meriwether with the Baton Rouge Salvation Army. With Christmas coming up, they share their plans to help out the community, and how they’re going to fulfill giving a “merry” Christmas, most especially to those who aren’t able to provide a merry Christmas for themselves.

What’s What BR with Dr. Holland, Quentin, and Kalyn of FranU

In this episode of What’s What BR, we sat with Dr. Holland, Quentin, and Kalyn of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, more commonly known as FranU, and talked about the history of the University, current programs, and how they’ve managed to get through during this time of the pandemic.